WATCH: Corey Lewandowski protects his old boss by downplaying his birther past

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September 9, 2016 8:28PM (UTC)

On CNN “New Day” Friday morning, Donald Trump’s former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, now a political commentator for CNN, trivialized his old boss’ birther history by saying it is a “nonissue” and that Trump has dropped the conspiracy theory that imagined President Barack Obama was born in Africa.

Asked if Trump believes Obama was born in Hawaii, as the president’s birth certificate confirms, Lewandowski falsely implied Trump has already admitted the foundation of birtherism was wrong, “Look, of course, he said that. He said he’s not going to talk about it.” Lewandowski said.

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CNN’s Alisyn Camerota took no time correcting Lewandowski, “He says he hasn’t talked about it. He’s never said he believes that,” she said.

Later in the discussion, after Lewandowski failed to explain why Trump has not publically apologized for fanning this malicious conspiracy, the paid political pundit insisted this was all a nonissue. “He’s not running against Barack Obama in this campaign,” Lewandowski said.

Back in June, CNN drew heavy criticism for hiring Lewandowski as a political commentator. Beyond a hostile record with journalists, the hiring was controversial because of Lewandowski’s deep loyalties with Trump.

Earlier in the week, Trump appeared on Fox News’ “O’Reilly Factor” where he was asked if past birther statements have impeded outreach with the African-American community. Trump downplayed the connection, “I just don’t bother talking about it but I don’t know. I guess with maybe some, I don’t know why, I really don’t know why. You’re the first one that’s brought that up in a while.”